Dr. Stuart Reichler Bio 301M. Bio 301M: Ecology, Evolution, and Society M-F 11:30am-1pm in WEL 2.304 Prof: Dr. Stuart Reichler Office: Bio 6E-mail: sreichler@mail.utexas.eduPhone:
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Dr. Stuart Reichler Bio 301M
Bio 301M: Ecology, Evolution, and SocietyM-F 11:30am-1pm in WEL 2.304
Prof: Dr. Stuart ReichlerOffice: Bio 6 E-mail: sreichler@mail.utexas.edu Phone: 471-1074Office Hours: anytime, contact for an appt.
Date Class Subject
June 5, 6 Introduction, Philosophy of Science, and Strong Inference
9-12 Evolution
13-16 Nature and Nurture
June 17 Exam 1
18-26 Ecology
June 27 Exam 2
June 30-July 3 Environmentalism
July 4 Independence Day (no class)
7, 8 Environmentalism
July 9 Exam 3
July 10 Review for Final Exam (last day of class)
July 12 Final Exam 7-10pm
Sample Exam Questions:Some organisms have much more DNA than humans do. Does this mean that they can make a greater diversity of proteins than humans can?
Sample Exam Questions:Some organisms have much more DNA than humans do. Does this mean that they can make a greater diversity of proteins than humans can? Why or why not?Not necessarily. They may have more non-coding DNA.
Sample Exam Questions:Both humans and wolves live in groups. How is the advantage gained from forming groups different between humans and wolves?
Sample Exam Questions:Both humans and wolves live in groups. How is the advantage gained from forming groups different between humans and wolves?Human groups give protection, probably from other humans. Wolf groups are better able to capture prey- obtain food.
Sample Exam Questions:Do you expect more or fewer future human conflicts over resources? Why?
Sample Exam Questions:Do you expect more or fewer future human conflicts over resources? Why?Likely more conflicts. Human population is increasing and resources are not. Rain decreases in some areas will lead to greater conflicts. Alt answer: Some areas are experiencing increases in rainfall, and that may diminish conflicts in those areas by making more resources available.
Studying Biology:
•Start with a question. –For example:
How? Why? When? Where? Etc?
•How do we get answers?–Strong Inference presents one method
(article on webpage)
Cause of Peptic Ulcers:Overabundance of stomach acid due to
•Stress•Diet•Anxiety
Cause of Peptic Ulcers:Overabundance of stomach acid due to
•Stress•Diet•Anxiety
Treatment:•AntiacidU.S. bought$4.4 billion in 1992
•Tranquilizers
Dr. Barry Marshall
The real cause of 80% of ulcers…H. pylori
Strong Inference
Knowledge is gained by eliminating incorrect ideas.
Disproof is more reliable than proof.
Figure 36.0 Trees
Where does the matter come from for plants to grow?
Matter can not normally be created or destroyed, only moved from one place to another.
Aristotle (~2,300 y.a.): Plants gain mass by taking it from the soil.
Supporting Evidence:
•Plants need soil to grow.
•If roots are removed, plants die.
•After several years of cultivation, soil loses its ability to support plant growth.
Johann Baptista van Helmont did a simple experiment in the early 1600’s
Johann Baptista van Helmont in 1600’s
Supporting Evidence:
• Plants need soil to grow.
• If roots are removed, plants die.
• After several years of cultivation, soil loses its ability to support plant growth.
Aristotle (~2,300 y.a.): Plants gain mass by taking it from the soil…
What is the major difference between these two approaches to science?
The Rules of Strong Inference:Strong Inference is a method for looking at scientific problems by trying to disprove hypotheses and accepting the hypotheses that can not be disproved. Using Strong Inference entails following these rules (from an article by John Platt, 1964):
1. Devise multiple hypotheses.
The Rules of Strong Inference:Strong Inference is a method for looking at scientific problems by trying to disprove hypotheses and accepting the hypotheses that can not be disproved. Using Strong Inference entails following these rules (from an article by John Platt, 1964):
1. Devise multiple hypotheses.
2. Design experiment(s) to eliminate one or more of the hypotheses.
The Rules of Strong Inference:Strong Inference is a method for looking at scientific problems by trying to disprove hypotheses and accepting the hypotheses that can not be disproved. Using Strong Inference entails following these rules (from an article by John Platt, 1964):
1. Devise multiple hypotheses.
2. Design experiment(s) to eliminate one or more of the hypotheses.
3. Carry out the experiments in a manner that gives a clean result.
The Rules of Strong Inference:Strong Inference is a method for looking at scientific problems by trying to disprove hypotheses and accepting the hypotheses that can not be disproved. Using Strong Inference entails following these rules (from an article by John Platt, 1964):
1. Devise multiple hypotheses.
2. Design experiment(s) to eliminate one or more of the hypotheses.
3. Carry out the experiments in a manner that gives a clean result.
4. Repeat. Refine hypotheses.
The Rules of Strong Inference:Strong Inference is a method for looking at scientific problems by trying to disprove hypotheses and accepting the hypotheses that can not be disproved. Using Strong Inference entails following these rules (from an article by John Platt, 1964):
1. Devise multiple hypotheses.
2. Design experiment(s) to eliminate one or more of the hypotheses.
3. Carry out the experiments in a manner that gives a clean result.
4. Repeat. Refine hypotheses.
The Question:
•Can your hypothesis be disproved?
•What experiment(s) can disprove your hypothesis?
The Rules of Strong Inference:Strong Inference is a method for looking at scientific problems by trying to disprove hypotheses and accepting the hypotheses that can not be disproved. Using Strong Inference entails following these rules (from an article by John Platt, 1964):
1. Devise multiple hypotheses.
2. Design experiment(s) to eliminate one or more of the hypotheses.
3. Carry out the experiments in a manner that gives a clean result.
4. Repeat. Refine hypotheses.
Dr. Stuart Reichler Bio 301M
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